20MPH LOBBY TARGETS OUR BUSIEST ROAD

Published: 24 September, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

THE busy A1 road between Archway and the Angel could become a 20mph zone under controversial plans by transport consultants working for London Mayor Boris Johnson.

The move, which will infuriate the car ­lobby who warn it will increase travelling times, is being recommended as part of the Mayor’s London-wide super-highway scheme for cyclists. Police are expected to say they do not have the resources to enforce the 20mph speed limit.

The recommendation by traffic consultant Hugo Terry comes as Islington this week ­officially becomes one of the first authorities in the country – and the first in London – to bring in a 20mph limit on all its residential roads.

Mr Terry, working for Transport for ­London, suggests that the only way for the A1 from Upper Street to Holloway Road to be made safe for cyclists and pedestrians is for traffic speed to be cut. 

Copies of his report, leaked to the Tribune, have been circulated among traffic campaigners in the borough. Caroline Russell, a Green Party spokeswoman and a cyclist who has seen the report, welcomed Mr Terry’s plan.

“Our main roads like the A1, where many pedestrians and cyclists have been killed or injured, are like a motorway environment,” she said. “This plan, if properly enforced, would mean residents and shoppers could walk or cycle in safety. It makes so much sense.”

Ms Russell, who has argued vociferously for 20mph limits on all the borough’s main roads,  called on Islington Council to adopt the proposal and start running 20mph trials. 

“I’m sure there is ­evidence that 20mph will not affect journey times, despite claims by the traffic lobby,” she said. “It has been proved that 20mph means less bunching of vehicles  and a more pleasant and order­ed street environment.”

London Assembly Green Party representative Jenny Jones also welcomed the scheme, as did former Islington Green councillor Katie Dawson, responsible   for introducing the ­borough’s 20mph scheme in the first place.  Ms Dawson said: “When you bring the traffic speed down to 20mph you start to save lives.”

Green Party members were at Roman Way in Holloway this week campaigning against ­

an­other plan by the ­mayor’s consultants to remove 140 traffic lights throughout London. The Greens warn that the scheme will allow ­drivers to speed up, ­putting lives in danger.

The council’s Labour environment chief Councillor Paul Smith could not comment on Mr Terry’s 20mph report, which he had not read. “As an occasional cyclist I’m obviously supportive of anything that makes this means of transport safer, but this scheme will be something for the mayor to decide,” he added.

Islington Taxpayers’ Alliance representative Dave Barnes described the scheme as a “complete waste of money”. He added: “It will make life more difficult and slow everything down.” 

At the AA, Paul ­Watters, head of road policy, said that although members support 20mph zones to some degree, they can pose problems. He added: “Compliance and lack of tolerance are always an issue, and they can slow buses as well as business ­vehicles.”